What is Safeguarding and Child Protection?

Safeguarding is about keeping children and young people safe by protecting them from harm, supporting their development and making sure they grow up in a safe environment.  

Child Protection is the term used to describe the actions of certain organisations, such as Children's Services, the police and health organisations, in their efforts to make sure children are safe from abuse and neglect.

Abuse can be physical, emotional or sexual, exploitation and grooming.  Abuse can have long term effects on children's health, development and wellbeing. 

Those organisations who come into contact with children and families in their every day work, have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.